Crossed Paths: A Time of Peace

by jon3s115

The path of the lone human of Star Fox has been a bumpy one with twists and turns that have left him scarred for life both physically and mentally. After finally defeating Wolf O'Donnell, Kevin Michelson and the rest of the team were finally back on their downtime, ready to rest from the year of fighting relentlessly. The Heroes of Lylat were now also the Heroes of Sol.

7. Chapter 7: A Date With Rose

I'm so sorry I had you guys wait for this chapter. I didn't mean for the last chapter to end where it did, but moving onto the date in that would be a huge jump from subject. But hey, at least you got a cliffhanger (eh, not really). So because I had you all wait, I will make sure that this chapter is everything you'd expect and more. Really though, you'll love this one.

On with the story!

Chapter 7: A Date with Rose

Fox, Falco and I all walked through the estate door and into the living area. We had just gotten back from a local pub. We had the time to kill, so Fox decided that we'd all go down to the bar. Slippy didn't join us because he had wanted to assist with the repair of my armor and research of it. While we were at the small bar, we talked about our plans and how we would spend our share of the credits. Pepper had paid the team an astounding 700,000 credits. Fox then forwarded an equal share to the teams separate accounts. Even with our good amount of wealth, we didn't blow it all off on beer and alcohol. We monitored our drinking to a very low. I was the one that watched carefully since it was the first time I had consumed beer. I had just recently realized that my time keeping was far too off. I thought my birthday was months away, but in fact it had already passed - making me 17 years old. Either way, it was illegal on Earth for me to drink, so I was careful.

I sighed as I flopped down into the couch, "That wasn't bad at all. I didn't think the beer would be so good here."

Fox chuckled, "I figured it'd be nice for us to just chill. Too bad Slip didn't go."

Falco nodded as he flopped down as well, "Ahhh, Slip's just a party killer. He never wants to do things." He was a tad tipsy, but wasn't out of control.

I laughed at his words, "Someone's gonna have a hangover."

Falco shrugged, "I'm used to 'em."

I looked down at my communicator. The three of us had been out for a while; it was already 6:00.

I was a bit stunned at the sight, "Oh crap" I exclaimed.

Fox looked up at me, "What's wrong?"

I showed him the clock, "It's 6!" I then quickly got up and headed up stairs.

Fox yelled from behind, "Relax, you have an hour!"

I continued my little jog up. When I reached the top, Krystal walked out of her room.

"Oh you're all back. I thought I sensed someone." She said.

I nodded and ran into my room, closing the door behind me. I walked over to my closet quickly and opened it up. Since we were going to dinner, I picked out something nice to wear. It wasn't too fancy and wasn't too casual. I picked out a white dress shirt and some black jeans; I then grabbed a black formal jacket. It wasn't like the ones you get with a tuxedo, but more of a jacket you get for less formal events.

I put the articles of clothing on my bed and started to undress. I took my shirt off and slipped the white shirt on and buttoned it up. I then slipped my pants off and put the black jeans on. I tucked the shirt in and slipped the formal jacket on over. The jacket didn't button all the way, only two close together at the base of the jacket. Once I was comfortable in the cloths, I walked over to my closet and looked in the mirror. I liked what I saw and felt ready. It was the first date I would ever go on, and it was with someone of a different species.

"I can't mess this up." I said to myself. I was feeling incredibly nervous and downright sick. The thought of saying something wrong and even choking up caused me to feel unsettle.

"Come on" I said, "You can do this. Maybe she's nervous too."

I started to fill my head with positive thoughts and emotions. Eventually, I started to feel slightly better; enough to go out and wait for the right time to leave.

I took a deep breath and walked out of my room. I headed down the stairs and saw the team watching a local news report. Below the reporter was the words 'urgent update'.

"What's this?" I asked as I walked down.

Fox looked up and saw me, "They put out an alert for some crazy ass dude that's causing trouble."

I raised an eyebrow, "What kind of trouble?" I sat down in the middle of the couch and watched the holo screen.

"This reporter is saying that he was responsible for a murder a week ago. Apparently, he got away from the cops and is hiding in plain sight." Fox explained.

I sat back, "So a disguised criminal?"

Fox nodded, "Yeah, they said they have an idea of what he looks like, but they don't know if he'll change appearance."

The man was a grey avian with a large scar on his face. He even seemed a bit old.

I shrugged, "Criminals here are just as devious as on Earth."

Falco chuckled, "You mean they got away from cops?"

I shook my head, "No, I mean people on Earth did the same thing. But most of them were so stupid that they didn't put effort into their get-up."

Krystal spoke up, "Truly stupid."

I looked down at my communicator; the clock now said 6:45.

I took a deep breath once more, "Well, it's about time I head out."

I got up and headed for my upstairs. I felt that since there was a murderer on the loose, I would need extra precautions. I walked up the stairs and passed the rooms. At the end was another door; this was the estates small armory. Fox had it installed in case something bad was to happen. I opened the door and grabbed one of the D-40 pistols; I also grabbed a concealed holster. I took my jacket off and strapped the holster on. I placed the gun in it and put my jacket back on. I looked in the mirror and saw that it was completely concealed under my jacket. I headed back and downstairs. I opened the front door and stepped out.

Krystal called out from behind, "Good luck"

Falco added in, "Don't say something weird"

I was halfway to the garage when Fox stopped me.

"Hey" he said as he walked out of the house.

I turned back, "What's up?"

Fox walked up to me, "So you think you're ready?"

I smiled and nodded, "Yeah, I'm sure I'm gonna be fine."

Fox crossed his arms, "Just be careful. I'd hate to see you thrown into despair if something happened."

"Don't worry" I said, "This is the first date. What could go wrong?"

He unfolded his arms, "Just a word of advice, keep from personal talk unless she feels comfortable with it. You two hardly know each other, so I would keep back from it."

I smiled "Thanks"

"Oh, one more thing" he said, "If you want a nice dinner, I'd suggest Zuria Cuisine. Zuria's known me since I was a child. In fact she used to take care of me. Just tell her that I sent you."

I was happy that Fox and I were friends. He was always supportive to everyone and always knew what to say. Ever since I rescued him from the downed Arwing, I knew that he and I would be friends, not like this where I'm on the team, but friends.

I smiled, "And let me give you a word of advice." My smile slightly grew, "Go back inside, ask Krystal if you could speak with her privately, and ask her on a date."

Fox looked surprised, "What?"

I shook my head, "Fox, I know you like her. I know that you want to do it. And trust me, she knows too."

Fox lowered his head, "Kevin, do you know how long I've been working up the courage to do so?"

I nodded, "Ever since Sauria"

He nodded back, "Yeah"

I shook my head. I made Krystal a promise, but I hate seeing these two apart.

"Look, Krystal has been waiting for you to ask her. Trust me, I know." I finally said, "I told her I wouldn't say anything to you, but I just want the both of you happy. You two are an incredible match for each other."

Fox looked back up, "She said that?"

I smiled and nodded, "Yes, she did." I looked back at the door, "Don't worry, she can't sense what I'm telling you."

Fox smiled back, "You know how to block her out?"

I nodded, "I know how to block out more. But that's not the point; the point is that you need to go in and ask her." I paused, "Hell, why not take her to Zuria's? Rose and I are going there, so why not join us?"

Fox nodded, "Okay, fine." He sighed, "I can't believe that I'm actually doing this."

I smiled, "I'll see you at the restaurant." With that, I turned and headed into the garage.

My CTZ was halfway into it since it was dropped off by a representative at Space Dynamics. I entered the vehicle and started it up. I backed out all the way into the road and started off.

Thoughts were jumbling around in my head. I started to think about what to say and how to answer an array of questions. I even thought of what not to say. Thinking of these were putting me into a great position; not only would I be ready, but I would also be able to 'save' myself from any wrong lines.

I was already downtown and in the main road that ran through the extremely large Corneria City. I still couldn't believe how big the city itself was. If I were to guess, it was about three times the size of New York City.

I looked down the road and spotted the turn I needed to take. I reached it and went down the adjacent street. I then turned and headed down the road parallel to the main street and quickly reached the Space Dynamics building. Out in front was Rose, dressed in a stunning red dress. I parked in front of the building and got out of the vehicle. She saw me and walked over.

Her dress made her look incredible. It was a formal dress that had a light red color to it. As she was walking over to me, I walked around the car and sat on the hood. She made her way and greeted me.

"You look very nice." She said.

I got up from the hood, "You look stunning yourself." I saw her blush a little when I said that.

"Thanks" she said as she kind of looked away and smiled.

I smiled back at her, "Shall we leave?"

She grinned and nodded, "Yes we shall"

I opened the passenger door and took her hand. She got into the seat and I closed the door. I walked back around to the driver side and sat into my seat.

"So where are we going?" She asked me.

I typed in the restaurant name into the navigation unit.

"Ever heard of Zuria's Cuisine?" I asked.

Rose seemed a little shocked, "You got a reservation?"

I chuckled, "Well, somewhat. Fox helped me with that- apparently he knows the owner, Zuria."

Rose smiled, "That's nice."

I then started down the road when the navigation finished calculating the route. The restaurant was located in the middle of downtown. We made our way down to the street. Once we were in the middle of downtown, the site stunned me. I hadn't seen the downtown square. Or should I say circle. In the middle of the city was a large opening. In the center of this was a large platform with four legs reaching out to the road that circled around it. On the platform was a statue of the Star Fox team. Above the statue was a holo sign reading 'Our Heroes of Lylat, Now the Heroes of Solar As Well'. Fox, Falco, Slippy, and Peppy were all there, however two covered beings stood on either side of the group. They weren't entirely large, about a quarter the size of the circular platform they sat on. The center of downtown resembled that as seen in one of their videogames, Assault, however it was much bigger.

"Wow" I said as I looked at the statues, "I didn't even know those were there."

Rose looked as well, "They just added those not too long ago."

I nodded, "This planet just amazes me in so many ways." I said. I turned my attention back to the road; I had to go halfway around the circle to get to the restaurant, which was on the side of the road.

Rose sounded confused, "Why's that?"

I looked over at her, "Earth isn't a very advanced planet when compared to Corneria. We have large cities and cool gadgets, but this place has that tripled. Holo signs, absolutely enormous cities, a working peaceful government. It all just shows how much my species has to learn."

"And you're not happy about this?" She asked confused.

I shook my head, "No I'm actually happy. With the Cornerian work force helping with restoring Earth, our learning can speed up. Not only will having the workers there influence Earth to straighten things up, but maybe even become allies with Corneria. The planets first alien alliance."

Rose looked amazed, "Wow, I should really step up the research then."

Now I was confused, "Research?"

She nodded, "Mhm, I'll tell you about it when we get inside."

I shrugged, "Fair enough"

We finally reached the restaurant. Outside, people were waiting in line. There was a free space in front of the building, so I took it. I turned the vehicle off and exited. I got out of the driver seat and walked around to the passenger side. I opened Rose's door and let her exit. I closed the door and saw that she had extended her arm slightly. I took it and wrapped my arm around hers.

"What a gentleman." She said with a smile.

I couldn't help but smile back at her. Once we finished that, we started to walk to the door. While we were walking, I could hear people switch their conversations over to us.

"Is that Kevin Michelson?" I overheard someone say.

The jumbled murmur then turned into the subject me being there with some woman.

We both walked inside and to the front desk.

"Hi" I said to the woman behind the counter.

She looked up at me and smiled, "Ah, you must be Kevin Michelson." She had a strong Estuary accent, almost as if she was from Paris. "Fox 'ad called me about your arrival. My name is Zuria."

I smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you." I paused for a second, "Fox called you about me?"

She nodded, "And it is my pleasure to elp a friend of my friend." She grabbed two menus, "Suivez-moi." (Follow me) She said.

I kind of froze in my place when she said that. What she had just said was French; a language I thought only existed on my planet.

"Let's go" Rose said when she saw me in my trance.

I shook out of it, "Sorry"

Zuria looked at me, "Is somesing wrong monsieur?" (mister)

I shook my head, "No I'm fine."

She then smiled, "Don't worry, I know zee ole story. I'm sure you are still taking it as a shock."

I chuckled, "Oh good, you understand then."

She nodded, "Bien sûr, I would be shocked as well." (Of course)

I smiled.

"Now, suivez-moi." She said once more.

Rose and I followed after Zuria as she led us to a table for two. We walked by two high-end bars and two elevated seating areas; they were only a few steps up. Above the two elevated areas was a high ceiling with a large chandelier hanging over them. The restaurant had a yellow pallet to it, adding to the 'fancy'.

Zuria led us up a few steps and onto the third elevated dining area. It had a yellow rail lining the edge to keep from falling and multiple tables. The entire restaurant was packed; luckily, Zuria had a special table open for Rose and me.

"Right 'ere. I ope you two enjoy your dinner." Zuria said as Rose and I sat down at the table.

I nodded at Zuria when she handed the two of us our menus, "Thank you"

She shook her head and smiled, "Zis is no problem at all." She then leaned in to my ear and whispered, "Good luck, monsieur."

I smiled and nodded again, "Thank you so much."

Zuria then walked off.

I looked at Rose, whom was looking over the menu. I decided to do the same. All the foods had a small picture next to them. Some looked absolutely delicious, others… not so much. The food on Corneria is incredibly different from that found on Earth; the names of the ingredients, specifically wildlife based, were unlike anything I've heard of.

"Um…" I said as I looked at the menu, "…I'm not a big custom to this planet. What do you suggest?" I asked Rose.

She then showed me her menu and pointed to a very fancy looking picture, "I hear that this is incredibly delicious."

The cuisine had different types of food on the plate; there was a glazed chicken-like piece in the center with a mashed potato on top. Around it was a trail of some sauce along with a powdery substance.

"It certainly looks good." I said.

Rose nodded and smiled, "Definitely"

We both then lowered our menus when we saw our waiter approach.

"What can I get for you two today?" He asked us.

I looked at the menu, "I'll have the…" I looked at the name, "…Ratatouille?"

He nodded, "That's correct, Mr. Michelson. And what would the young lady like?"

Rose looked at me, "I'll have the same dish."

The waiter nodded, "Okay, I'll be back with your drinks."

I looked at Rose, "You are of age?"

She nodded, "I am just the right age. 17 is the appropriate age on Corneria."

I smiled, so she was the same age as me. I guess Will was right after all. But after I clarified her age, I had another question; what was her 'research'?

"Great, looks like this is a first for both of us." I said.

She looked surprised, "You're 17?"

I nodded, "Yes, but it's not the first time I have had a drink. My first time was with Fox and Falco; we went down to a local pub that Fox had been going to with the team for quite some time."

Rose nodded, "I could have sworn you were at least 20."

I chuckled, "I do get that a lot; people always saying that I look older than I really am."

She chuckled as well.

"So what's with this 'research'? I'm curious to learn about it." I said.

She nodded, "Well, you may be surprised, but I am actually an intern for Space Dynamics in the research division."

I was incredibly surprised, "Really? At 17?"

She nodded, "Yes, I had such incredible grades that Space Dynamics decided to give me a chance. I got the message and I took the offer."

"Wow" I said, "Are you working with Beltino?" I asked.

She tilted her head and shrugged, "Somewhat; I don't really work with him, but I am doing a research project with his team. The team is leading the research for Earth. I was just moved to the team so I haven't had much research time."

I was very impressed; she was working for Space Dynamics and at such a high level.

I looked over and saw our waiter. He was approaching with two glass bottles with white cloths.

"I must first ask; are you two of age?" The waiter asked.

We both nodded simultaneously.

Rose pulled out her Space Dynamics I.D. and showed it the waiter.

"Perfect" he said, "I advise that you two please watch your consumption."

I nodded, "Yes sir, I promise that the peace in here will not be affected in any way."

He nodded, "Now; Wine or Sparkling Water?"

I pointed to the wine, "We'll take that."

The waiter smiled, "Please be careful." He placed the wine on the table with two glasses. He then winked to me. I started to blush a little; I kind of knew what he was meaning. I didn't have any plans on sex, nor did I have plans on drinking inappropriately. This was solely to get to know Rose and even start a relationship.

Rose smiled at me and chuckled slightly.

Thoughts rolled through my mind, "Oh god, this is going to be harder than I thought." I thought to myself.

I opened the bottle with a pop. I then poured a small amount in both of our glasses. I handed Rose her glass and grabbed my own. I raised it and gave a toast.

"à la santé!" I said as I raised my glass. (to health)

I was glad that I knew a small amount of French. Many people called it the language of love because it was so fluent.

Rose smiled, "I didn't know you knew that language."

I shook my head slightly, "Actually, I don't. That's just a small bit that I do know. My second best language is one called Spanish. On Earth, French, the one I just spoke, is known as the language of love, while Spanish is known to 'make you better looking'."

Rose chuckled at the same time I had done so.

"So, tell me a bit about yourself." I said, "I know you work with Space Dynamics, but what about school and other things?"

She smiled, "Well, I go to the Defense Force Academy. I am currently training for data research, which is why I have the internship. On top of that, I don't really do much. I'm not a very social person."

I nodded, "Huh"

"Anyway, I like to read books. I have an incredibly immersive imagination, so reading the best of the best really consumes my time when I visualize and read." She continued, "I even like to sometime write. I'm not very good at it, but it really does help my mind let loose."

I was smiling greatly; she sounded so nice and was so smart.

"I have no siblings and don't live with my parents. I moved out when I was sixteen." She finished, "SO what about you?"

"Well, I am on Star Fox, obviously. I left Earth at the age of 15 after I saved Fox from a crash." I explained.

She nodded, "I heard about that. Was it bad?"

I shook my head, "No, I was able to get him back on his feet." I took a sip of the wine, "Anyway, when I left, I started to train a little on Great Fox. We got to Corneria and started the real training. After that, we got the news of Wolf being in Lylat again. Then we found his army. And then… then his plan."

Rose nodded, "To attack Earth"

I nodded back, "Exactly, it was hard to stop him, but I got him. With the cost of a few things." I then raised my left hand, "This and my right leg." I lowered them, "Before all this, I was a normal kid on Earth. I had some friends and enemies, average student with pretty good grades. After that, the life of Star Fox took me. A great turn in my destiny."

Rose seemed incredibly into the story. She was staring at me and listening to every word I spoke.

"Incredible" she said, "You were average, and then you're suddenly on Star Fox."

I laughed, "One hell of a transfer, isn't it?"

She laughed as well.

We were both having an incredible time. I loved just talking to her and the fact that she loved doing so as well.

After we finished our slight laughter, our waiter returned with our dishes. They looked amazing and were striking images from the picture.

"Oh wow, this looks delicious." I said.

"Since you aren't from this planet, I should tell you what it is." The waiter said.

I shook my head, "I actually read something about Ratatouille. But thank you for the concern."

The waiter nodded, "Very well." He then bowed, "Bon appétit."

I looked down at the familiar dish. Ratatouille was very popular on Earth; seeing it here was just so weird. But I kept my knowledge of the realities connecting, so the thought was pushed away.

I got my cloth and placed it on my lap. I grabbed my fork and grabbed the first piece of the dish. It was neatly placed in a small tower, with the sauce around and over it neatly. It was truly a fancy looking cuisine. I grabbed a small piece and placed it in my mouth. It tasted absolutely delicious. I had never tried French food before, so this was a true surprise.

"Oh wow" I said.

Rose smiled, "You like it"

I nodded and smiled back, "Absolutely"

I then heard a slight gasp and cheer off in the distance. I looked up and over to the door. I saw Zuria jumping with joy as she was talking to someone. I couldn't exactly tell who because a group of people were blocking my view.

"What's wrong?" Rose asked.

I looked back at her, "I think I just started something wonderful." I said. I had a good feeling about what was happening.

Rose looked in the direction that I was.

I was watching as Zuria was just so happy. Finally, the group of people moved enough to clear my view. Sure enough, I found Fox and Krystal, arm in arm, speaking with Zuria.

"Ata boy, Fox." I said to myself.

Rose looked at me, "Is that Fox and Krystal?" She asked.

I nodded, "Yes, and it looks like Fox took my advice."

Rose chuckled, "You told him to ask Krystal out?"

I smiled, "Of course. He had been trying to work up the courage for so long. I just gave him the extra push to finally do it."

Rose smiled back, "How sweet"

Zuria, Fox, and Krystal finally started to walk. They were heading in our direction. I went back to the dish and took another bite. I looked back up and saw Zuria bringing them to the spare table right next to the one Rose and I was seated at.

"Excuse me" I said as I got up. I walked over to Fox as he was walking to the table. He raised his hand; I grabbed it with my opposite and went in for the bro hug. I patted his back.

"What I tell you?" I said quietly.

Fox nodded, "I know, I know. I just can't thank you enough."

I shook my head, "Just looking out for a friend." I then turned back, "Let's get to our dates now. You go ahead and have your date with Krystal, while I have mine."

Fox nodded in agreement.

I walked back to my table and sat down. Fox and Krystal were seated at the table a few feet away.

I overheard Krystal speaking, "It bugs me that Kevin can block me from his mind now."

I chuckled slightly.

I looked back up at Rose. She seemed very happy.

She spoke when I looked at her, "I actually have another question."

"Go ahead" I replied.

"What was life like on Earth? Did you like it, or do you like life here better?" she asked.

I nodded, "I love life here. Being on the Star Fox team is like a dream come true for me." I smiled.

She smiled as well, "But what about your Earth life. How was that?"

I shook my head, "Well, it wasn't the best." I paused and took a sip of my wine; I was running low on it. "In fact, it wasn't really all that well. I said I had good grades, friends, and such. But I had more enemies than anything else."

Rose nodded, "I see, so life there wasn't really that comfortable."

I nodded back, "Yes, I remember asking for a second chance of some sort. I prayed to my religions god that I could have a do over or the strength to make everything right. I wasn't a believer, but I was so desperate. Later, I had a dream. The dream itself was so vivid and clear, it showed me my future. Four shadowed figures appeared in front of me. One of them told me 'change is coming'; I couldn't remember anything after that. But sure enough, a day later Fox had crashed in my yard. It was a weird way of fate showing itself to me, it was like it just flat out told me it was there and was working with me."

Rose seemed amazed, "Wow, that's just amazing." She said with an awestruck face.

I chuckled, "Yes, it was a very scary time."

I finished up my dish and poured another small glass of wine.

"Last glass" I said as I barely poured the wine into the glass.

Rose then held her glass up slightly, "You mind filling mine?"

I shook my head, "Not at all" I grabbed it and filled her glass with some wine.

"Thank you" she said.

I nodded, "It's my pleasure"

After a minute of silence, Rose finished her meal as well, "Wow, that's was just too good."

I nodded, "Absolutely delicious" I looked over at Fox and Krystal. They were talking to each other back and forth while they were eating their meals.

I looked back at Rose, "What did you think? This place is amazing, right?"

Rose looked around, "It's beautiful."

I did so as well, "Not bright, very soft and peaceful."

"Have you ever been to anything like this?" She asked me.

I shook my head, "Nothing this nice, no." I said, "You?"

Rose shook her head as well.

I found our waiter walking towards us and signaled him. He came walking over.

"How may I help you Mr. Michelson?" He asked.

I looked at Rose, "We are finished."

The waiter nodded, "One minute" he said as he walked off.

A minute passed when Zuria walked up to us.

"So? What did you sink?" She asked.

I nodded and smiled, "It was delicious; please send my compliments to the chef."

She smiled back, "I am glad zat you liked it."

I nodded, "We're just waiting for the bill right now an…" Zuria cut me off.

"Bill? No no no, zis in on ze 'ouse. You are a friend of my Fox and his savior, ze least I can do is no charge you nothing for your dinners."

I smiled, "Really?"

She nodded, "Yes, it is my sincere gratitude zat you be treated well here."

I was a bit stunned to hear this, "Well, thank you very much Ms. Zuria."

I got up and attempted to shake her hand, but was met instead with a hug.

"Sank you for saving Fox." She said.

I hugged her back, "It was nothing"

She released me, "I ope you two ave a pleasant evening."

"Thank you" I said.

I looked over at Rose, "You ready?" I asked her.

She nodded and arose from her seat. I took both the bottle of wine and her hand and walked past Fox and Krystal. I looked at Fox as we walked and smiled at him. Rose and I headed for the front entrance and exited with no problems.

We stopped when we reached outside, "Oh my, it's chilly." She said.

It was a bit cold. The air was like ice when it hit my skin.

"You must be freezing." She added.

I shook my head, "I may not have fur, bur I can take the cold easily."

I then took my jacket off, "Don't freak out about the gun." I said. Once the jacket was off, I draped it over Rose to keep her warm. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew through. I caught Rose in my arms as she leaned and lost balance.

She looked up at me after she realized what happened, "Th-thanks" she said in a soft tone. I looked into her eyes and saw absolute beauty. She looked back and we starred for a minute. I took in every detail of her beautiful eyes; her iris, the soft hazel color.

I then slowly got her back to balance, while still looking into her eyes.

I snapped out of my trance, "We should… uh… get you home." I said, breaking Rose out of her trance as well.

She nodded in agreement and blushed deeply, "Y-yeah"

The both of us then walked to the car hand in hand. I opened the door for her and she sat down in the seat. I closed it and walked around to my side and entered.

Rose spoke up, "We should… d-do this again some time."

I looked over at her, "Of course" I started the car and made our way down the road.

"What's your address?" I asked.

"4879 Lylat Road." She answered.

I entered it into the navigation unit and saw that it wasn't very far at all. Very close to the academy actually.

We made our way around the large circled road and down the proper street to reach Lylat Road. It was a few blocks down until we had our turn. Once I was on the street, I quickly found Rose's house. It was a small house perfect for one person. I stopped the car in front of it and exited the vehicle. I walked around and opened Rose's door. I grabbed her hand and helped her exit.

"Can you walk me to the door?" She asked with a look that said 'please'.

I smiled and nodded, "Of course"

The two of us then walked up to the front door. We stopped and stood facing each other.

"I had a really fun time." She said as she lowered her head.

I nodded, "I… uh… me too."

She smiled, "I really enjoyed it." She then took off the jacket and handed it back to me; I then slipped it on.

Rose then suddenly leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. I blushed uncontrollably and couldn't hide it. She chuckled when she saw me starting to blush. I lowered my head in embarrassment as she entered her house.

I sighed, "That was amazing" I said to myself.

I turned back and headed for my car. I was a bit thirsty, so I entered the search box for a close by market. There was one about a few blocks down. I started down the road and quickly found the market. It was rather large for a neighborhood building; one's on Earth weren't very large.

I turned into the parking area and turned the car off. I exited and entered the building. When I entered, I was greeted by the sales clerk.

"Welcome to John's Pharmacy" he said as he was doing something on the computer.

I walked to the back and found the drinks. The store had small bottles of soda in a fridge. I slid the door open and grabbed a clear colored soda. I took it to the front and had the man ring me up.

"Just put it on this little pad." The man said as he pointed to a blue spot on the table.

I placed the soda on it and watched as a light scanned from back and forth quickly. After that, the man pointed to a card slot next to it.

"Now just slide your currency card here and you'll be good to go." He told me.

I smiled, "You know, you're one of the most helpful people I've run into."

The man shrugged, "It's in my nature."

I nodded, "You even knew I wasn't from here. That's some social skills, sir."

The man shrugged again, "It's what I do best."

I pulled out my currency card and swiped it on the slot. The price of .15 credits was deducted from my account.

"Wow, rather cheap here." I said. It was my first time shopping on my own, so I was bound to run into a few new things.

The clerk then smiled, "Have a nice evening, Mr. Michelson."

I nodded and headed for the door.

As I reached the sidewalk, I saw a man walking in the distance. It was already late, so I was a bit skeptical. As I was watching this man, he changed his direction towards me. I grew even more skeptical about this.

"Is he looking for trouble?" I asked myself.

I walked to the driver side of the car and pretended that the door was somehow stuck. I looked back and saw the man was getting closer, and was indeed heading for me.

I thought to myself, "Oh boy"

To Be Continued…

Oooooooohhhhh a cliffhanger! I thought it was a nice touch to end the chapter with. But anyway, what did you all think? Sound off in the reviews and tell me your thoughts on the chapter; your feedback is what keeps me going. Be sure (if you're new) to favorite or follow the book if you liked it. If you like my works in general, be sure to follow me for all updates on this book and my future works.

Chapter 8, which will be short, should be up VERY soon. Maybe today, maybe tomorrow.

Until next time…